fine

Perhaps the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took the phrase "crime doesn't pay" a bit too literally. The government agency has reported reaching a settlement with one-man company GoldenShores Technology regarding its spying Flashlight Android app and imposed a punishment that practically only constitutes a reprimand and some guidelines to follow.

All of us hate getting spam text messages and calls, but unfortunately they're everywhere. It doesn't matter which platform you choose - Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Windows Phone - there's a decent chance you've had to deal with spam text messages before. Luckily, today we're seeing one European watchdog group do something about it, dropping a very large fine on two SMS spammers who have been very, very busy.

Verizon is being forced by the FCC to pay a fine for apparently blocking their users from accessing third-party tethering apps. As is the case with most of these FCC fines, the $1.25 million settlement amount is chump change to a company as huge as Verizon, but it's more about the message the FCC sends to companies than it is about the money. Verizon will also be forced to train its employees on proper C Block procedure, which it is accused of breaking by blocking third-party tethering apps.